Here at The Met, we couldn’t be more thankful for our many volunteers who enable us to do everything we do. From checking your tickets, getting you to your seats, and ensuring you’re all kept safe whilst in our venue, our army of talented volunteers have made The Met the venue we all love so much today.

Our Volunteer Coordinator, Shaun, had a few words to say about our volunteers on National Volunteers Week.

We’d like to say a big thank you to all of our volunteers, and wanted to ask them what their favourite memories are of The Met, and why they chose to volunteer for us.

My favourite memory volunteering at The Met was the guitarist from The Christians’ not having his ID having been out of the building and (although I knew who he was as I’m a big fan of the band) not letting him back in for quite a while.

So many wonderful memories from Ramsbottom Festival/Head for the Hills – but discovering new bands such as Jimmy and the Revolvers (an absolute favourite from years ago) is what I enjoy most. If you love music then volunteering at the festival is a must.

The sun always shines in Ramsbottom too!!! – Judith Banwell

I have been volunteering for about 7 years now!!!! Time flies when you are having fun!!! I became a volunteer as a way to meet new people and become more involved in the local community. A big perk of the volunteer role has been the opportunity to see so many amazing shows that I might not otherwise have seen.

I have always felt comfortable and welcomed at The Met by all members of staff.

I seem to have adopted the role of being a regular volunteer for the First Thursday Comedy Club. I have always had a passion for watching stand up comedy and visit the Edinburgh Fringe regularly. Working on First Thursday nights gave me the chance to check out new comedians who I might want to go and see in Edinburgh!

I would suggest that if you are on the fence and wondering whether to volunteer or not, just give it a try and have some fun. What have you got to lose? – Jo Nuckley

I started volunteering for Bury Met in September 2017. I had an interview with Shaun, the Volunteers Coordinator and, to be honest, beforehand I was a little bit terrified. What if they didn’t want me? What if I was too old? What if I didn’t know enough about arts and music? I needn’t have worried… at all. Shaun was just lovely. In fact, all of the people I’ve met at The Met have been warm and welcoming and I’ve enjoyed every minute.

I volunteered for Head for the Hills where I danced to The Stranglers with a litter picker in hand. I had my break during Maximo Park’s set so I could join my friends. I made new friends and was part of this amazing atmosphere. As volunteers, we were treated really well with full training and food! I volunteered immediately for the year after.

From the festival, I volunteered a few times to support events at The Met. I collected tickets, sold programmes and showed people to their seats before watching the performances for free!

I was then put in touch with Aiming High, a drama group for children and young people with SEND. Again, I was nervous before starting but, again, there was no need. Madeleine, the lady who runs it was wonderful. The students were amazing and such fun to be around. I joined in with all of the games each week and got to appear in their termly show when I was supporting a young man (who gave me the courage to go on stage). I think, without realising it, that I gained more than I gave. My time with Aiming High was akin to free professional development that I took into my role as a primary teacher. I learned so much from Madeleine and the group.

If you’re wondering about volunteering, just have a go. When you’re thinking what’s the worst that can happen, well it won’t… it may be just be the best! – Katy Sullivan

We can’t wait to start working with more of out volunteers again as we welcome more live events and audiences back into the building over the coming months!